Golf bag having stand assembly

ABSTRACT

A golf bag is provided that includes a bag body and a deployable stand assembly. The bag body defines an upper opening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end including a base. The base defines the bottom end of the bag body and includes a first section, a second section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is disposed between and hinged to both the first section and the second section. The bag includes a support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative communication with the base such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an inclined position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf bags and, moreparticularly, golf bags having a deployable stand assembly.

Golf bags are typically designed as elongated structures designed toreceive golf clubs, having an open top end and a closed base, such thatthe club heads extend out the top of the bag. This enables convenientidentification and selection of clubs during play. As a consequence,however, a fully loaded golf bag has the center of gravity located nearthe top of the bag, which promotes instability.

To compensate for instability, certain golf bags include a deployablestand to support the bag in an inclined position. Commonly referred toas stand bags, such bags commonly include a pair of straight legspivotally attached proximate to an upper end of the bag coupled to apedal proximate to the base of the bag via rods. In use, a user candeploy the legs by pressing down on the bag so that the pedal causes therods to displace axially, forcing the legs to a deployed position. Forexample, during the course of play a golfer would set down the stand bagnear the ball, causing the legs to deploy, and select a club. With thelegs deployed, the bag is comparatively more stable.

Although such stand bags are generally effective, shortfalls exist. Forexample, current stand begs often require substantial force imparted bythe user to cause the legs stands to deploy. In addition, on unevenground, it can be difficult to impart such force, while maintaining bagstability. Moreover, current approaches hamper design esthetics of thebag.

It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a golf bag havinga stand assembly that addresses these concerns. The present inventionfulfills this need and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the present invention provides a golf bag having a bagbody and a deployable stand assembly. The bag body defines an upperopening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end including a base. Thebase defines the bottom end of the bag body and includes a firstsection, a second section and an intermediate section. The intermediatesection is disposed between and hinged to both the first section and thesecond section. The bag includes a support assembly coupled to the bagbody proximate to the upper opening and in operative communication withthe base such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly todeploy to support the bag in an inclined position, while ensuring that asubstantial portion of the base remains in contact with the groundthroughout the deployment process, facilitating smooth deployment of thestand.

More specifically, and by way of example in an embodiment of theinvention, the first section, the second section and the intermediatesection of the base are each independent structures. The intermediatesection includes a first hinge portion on a first side of theintermediate section and a second hinge portion on a second side of theintermediate section. The first section includes a hinge portion coupledto the first hinge portion of the intermediate section to enable thefirst section to pivot relative to the intermediate section. The secondsection includes a hinge portion coupled to the second hinge portion ofthe intermediate section to enable the second section to pivot relativeto the intermediate section.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base is formed of unitaryconstruction and includes three sections partitioned by two hingesections formed by lines of weakening extending parallel to one anotheracross the base. These lines of weakening create flexion lines, whichupon application of force onto the bag, causes the base sections torotate relative to one another.

In an independent aspect of the invention, the golf bag includes a bagbody having a base defining the bottom end of the bag body and a supportassembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper opening and inoperative communication with the base to deploy to support the bag in aninclined position. The support assembly includes a support formed ofinjection-molded material. The support is configured facilitatestructural strength of the support, while enabling the support to berelatively lightweight.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support is formed of unitaryconstruction, in which an upper portion is coupled to a pivot assemblydisposed adjacent to the upper end of the bag body, and support includestwo wishbone-type leg portions extending from an intermediate portion,the leg portions angled rearward from the intermediate portion about thebag body. The support can includes truss sections having a supportportion angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the support.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have beendescribed herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarilyall such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in amanner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantagesas taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as maybe taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a golf bag in accordancewith the present invention, depicting a stand in a retracted position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf bag of FIG. 1, depicting the stand ina deployed position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the golf bag of FIG. 1, depicting the sidewallof the bag body in phantom.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the base the golf bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the base the golf bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a base for a second embodiment of a golf bag inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the base of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a stand assembly for another embodimentof a golf bag in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a golf bag 10 having a bag body 12 and a support assembly 14coupled to a base 16. The bag can be supported in both an uprightposition and in an inclined position. The base and the support assemblyare configured to cooperatively support the bag in an inclined position.More particularly, the bag body defines an upper opening for receivinggolf clubs and a bottom end. The base aids in defining the bottom end ofthe bag body. The base includes three sections, a front section 18, anintermediate section 20, and back section 22 coupled to each other via afirst hinge assembly 24 between the front and the intermediate sectionsand a second hinge assembly 26 between the intermediate and the backsection. The support assembly is in operative communication with thebase such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deployto support the bag in an inclined position, while ensuring that asubstantial portion of the base remains in contact with the groundthroughout the deployment process.

The support assembly 14 is coupled to the base 16 by an actuator 30. Theactuator includes a lower portion 30 attached to the front section 18 ofthe base and an upper portion 32 attached to an upper end 34 of thesupport 36. Inclination of the bag causes the base sections to hingerelative to one another, imparting force onto the actuator and resultingin deployment of the support (FIG. 2). The first and second hinges 24,26 of the base facilitate smooth deployment of the support, even in whenused on uneven, inclining or declining ground. In this manner, the golfbag enables stable support in a variety of situations.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support 14 is attached to asupport hinge 38 disposed proximate to the upper end of the bag body.The upper end 34 of the support 36 includes a pair of end projections 40that are received in a pair of pivot slots 42 of the hinge. The actuator28 includes a pair of ends 44 that attach to the end projections 40 ofthe support, distally from the pivot slots 42. The support includes anintermediate portion 46 below the end projections. The width of theintermediate portion is less than the width of the support across theend portions. The support terminates in a pair of legs 48 that extendfrom the intermediate portion in a general wishbone configuration. Thelegs include a pair of enlarged ends 50 to provide a stable base incontact with the ground.

The support 36 is formed of unitary construction from molded polymermaterial, such as thermoplastic resin (TPR) perimeter with (EVA)intersection. In other embodiments, supports can be formed of othermolded materials, to include but not limited to injection molding ofpolycarbonate, carbon fiber, nylon with fiberglass injection,fiberglass, and polymer-based materials. In addition, nanotech materialfabrication can be used as an additive and/or used as a coating.

The support is 36 symmetrical about its longitudinal axis (L) andincludes a plurality of truss members 52 that are angled relative to thelongitudinal axis. The truss members facilitate structural strength ofthe support, while enabling the support to be relatively lightweight.The legs 48 are angled rearward relative to the intermediate portion 46.In this manner, the legs provide a measure of protection to the golf bagand its contents. Moreover, the legs are comparatively shielded,minimizing chances that they may snag on other objects, such as duringtransport.

The lower portion 30 of the actuator 28 attaches to a pivot 54 on thefront section 18 of the base 16. A substantial portion of the actuatorresides within the bag body. The actuator extends out of the bag body 12through an opening 56 defined in an intermediate region thereof. In theexemplary embodiment, the actuator is formed of bent metal wire.However, in other embodiments, various other materials andconfigurations can be used sufficient to provide operative communicationbetween the support and the base.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the golf bag 10 further includesstays 58 extending from the base 16 to the throat structure 60 of thebag. The stays facilitate structural integrity of the bag throughoutuse. In the first embodiment, the sections (18, 20, 22) of the base areformed as independent structures attached to one another via hinges (24,26). In this embodiment, the structures of the hinges are integrallyformed in constituent with the unitary construction of the respectivesections. In other embodiments, hinge structures can be formedseparately and coupled to the base sections.

The base 16 includes an upper lip 62 that circumscribes the contactsurface of the base and extends upward. In the exemplary embodiment, thesidewall of the bag body 12 attaches to the upper lip by a plurality ofrivets disposed about the base. The upper portion of the sidewallattaches to the throat structure 60 (FIG. 1), thereby restricting accessto the bag body interior to the upper open-end. The sidewall furtherincludes a plurality of compartments for receiving a golfer'saccessories to be accessible during play.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a base 70 for a second embodimentof a golf bag is shown. In this embodiment, the base is formed ofunitary construction and includes three sections (72, 74, 76)partitioned by two-hinge sections (78, 80) formed by lines of weakeningextending parallel to one another across the base. These lines ofweakening create flexion lines, which upon application of force onto thebag, causes the base sections to rotate relative to one another.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a third embodiment is shown having asupport assembly 100 that includes multiple legs 102, preferably formedof molded polymer material, to aid in support of the bag. Each leg isattached to a separate pivot slot 104 proximate to the opening of thegolf bag. Each leg includes a plurality of truss members 106 that areangled relative to the longitudinal axis. The truss members facilitatestructural strength and durability of the support, while enabling thesupport to be relatively lightweight.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present inventionprovides a golf bag having a bag body and a deployable stand assembly.The bag body defines an upper opening for receiving golf clubs and abottom end including a base. The base defines the bottom end of the bagbody and includes a first section, a second section and an intermediatesection. The intermediate section is disposed between and hinged to boththe first section and the second section. The bag includes a supportassembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper opening and inoperative communication with the base such that flexion of the basecauses the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an inclinedposition.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference onlyto the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat various other embodiments can be provided without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined onlyby the claims set forth below.

1. A golf bag, comprising: a bag body defining an upper opening forreceiving golf clubs and a bottom end; a base defining the bottom end ofthe bag body, the base including a first section, a second section andan intermediate section disposed between and hinged to both the firstsection and the second section; and a support assembly coupled to thebag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative communicationwith the base such that flexion of the base causes the support assemblyto deploy to support the bag in an inclined position.
 2. A golf bag asdefined in claim 1, wherein the base includes a first hinge assemblythat pivotally couples the first section to the intermediate section. 3.A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base includes a secondhinge assembly that pivotally couples the second section to theintermediate section.
 4. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst section, the second section and the intermediate section define asupport surface of the base for contacting the ground.
 5. A golf bag asdefined in claim 1, wherein the base defines a first flexion linebetween the first section and the intermediate section.
 6. A golf bag asdefined in claim 1, wherein the base defines a second flexion linebetween the second section and the intermediate section.
 7. A golf bagas defined in claim 1, wherein the first section is formed of unitaryconstruction and includes a hinge portion that attaches to a hingeportion of the intermediate section to enable the first section to pivotrelative to the intermediate section.
 8. A golf bag as defined in claim1, wherein: the first section, the second section and the intermediatesection are each independent structures; the intermediate sectionincluding a first hinge portion on a first side of the intermediatesection and a second hinge portion on a second side of the intermediatesection; the first section including a hinge portion coupled to thefirst hinge portion of the intermediate section to enable the firstsection to pivot relative to the intermediate section; and the secondsection including a hinge portion coupled to the second hinge portion ofthe intermediate section to enable the second section to pivot relativeto the intermediate section.
 9. A golf bag as defined in claim 1,wherein the base defines a first flexion line between the first sectionand the intermediate section, and the base defines a second flexion linebetween the second section and the intermediate section.
 10. A golf bagas defined in claim 9 wherein the base is formed of unitaryconstruction.
 11. A golf bag, comprising: a bag body defining an upperopening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end; a base defining thebottom end of the bag body, the base having three segments couple toeach other, each segment of independent structure, including a firstsegment having a first hinge portion, a second segment having a secondhinge portion, and an intermediate segment disposed between the firstsegment and the second segment, the intermediate segment having a firsthinge portion coupled to the first hinge portion of the first section,forming a first hinge to enable the first section to pivot relative tothe intermediate section, the intermediate segment having a second hingeportion coupled to the second hinge portion of the second section,forming a second hinge to enable the second section to pivot relative tothe intermediate section; and a support assembly coupled to the bag bodyproximate to the upper opening and in operative communication with thebase such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deployto support the bag in an inclined position.
 12. A golf bag as defined inclaim 11, wherein the first segment, the second segment and theintermediate segment define a support surface of the base for contactingthe ground.
 13. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the supportis formed of unitary construction, the support having an upper portioncoupled to a pivot assembly disposed adjacent to the upper end of thebag body, an elongated intermediate portion and two wishbone-type legportions extending from the intermediate portion, the leg portionsangled rearward from the intermediate portion about the bag body.
 14. Agolf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the support includes a trusssection having a support portion angled relative to a longitudinal axisof the support.
 15. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein thesupport includes a truss section having a plurality of support portionsangled relative to a longitudinal axis of the support.
 16. A golf bag,comprising: a bag body defining an upper opening for receiving golfclubs and a bottom end; a base defining the bottom end of the bag body;and a support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upperopening and in operative communication with the base to deploy tosupport the bag in an inclined position, the support assembly includinga support formed of injection-molded material.
 17. A golf bag as definedin claim 16, wherein the support is formed of unitary construction, thesupport having an upper portion coupled to a pivot assembly disposedadjacent to the upper end of the bag body, an elongated intermediateportion and two wishbone-type leg portions extending from theintermediate portion, the leg portions angled rearward from theintermediate portion about the bag body.
 18. A golf bag as defined inclaim 16, wherein the support includes a truss section having a supportportion angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the support.
 19. Agolf bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support includes a trusssection having a plurality of support portions angled relative to alongitudinal axis of the support.
 20. A golf bag as defined in claim 16,wherein the support includes a pair of legs, each leg formed of unitaryconstruction of injection-molded material, each leg having an upper endcoupled to a pivot proximate to the upper end of the bag body.